The Michael Clair Special: A Pretty Penny for a Paper-Clip Procedure

Traditionally, root canals are performed using small steel posts. Dr. Clair’s scheme to use paper clips instead of surgically competent steel posts caused many patients unnecessary pain, suffering, and infection. Brenda Almeida’s young son underwent the procedure in 2005. His tooth turned black and had to be pulled. Almeida also claims that her other children received poor care from Dr. Clair as well.

Almeida is unsatisfied with the one year jail sentence that Dr. Clair will serve, saying, “He put my kids in pain for months…I hope he rots there.” The prosecution had hoped for at least a five year sentence. Judge Moses, the judge who passed down the sentence, explained his decision, citing Clair’s mental health issues, lack of priors, and his acceptance of full responsibility. Judge Moses did, however, satisfy the prosecution’s request to keep Clair away from his victims and colleagues. It was noted that his former staff feared for their safety.

Clair will be on five years probation upon his release from prison. After receiving his sentence and before he was escorted out of the courtroom, Clair offered his gratitude:

“Thank you, your honor, for your consideration.”

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Medical malpractice comes in many forms. Some doctors commit malpractice by making surgical mistakes. Others act negligently due to a temporary lapse of judgement. But Michael Clair purposely put his patients in danger so he could make more money. This type of malpractice is surely the most egregious kind.

If you or a loved one have suffered at the hands of a negligent surgeon, physician, or other medical provider, contact the New Jersey medical malpractice attorneys of Messa & Associates, P.C. by calling, toll-free, 1-877-MessaLaw. You may also submit a free online inquiry. You may also click on the CHAT LIVE icon on the right to speak with a representative immediately.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys Concerned with Survey Results

The team of med students and medical professionals aimed to discover how honest doctors believe they should be, and in turn actually are, with their patients. The survey was carried out in 2009 and involved almost 1,900 practicing doctors from the United States.

While the majority of doctors and physicians believe that patients should always be told all of the truth, there was a substantial minority of practicing doctors that do not agree that patients need always know the whole truth about their treatment. This opinion and possible basis of practice is a direct violation of The Charter on Medical Professionalism, which insists on openness and honesty. The Charter was penned in 1999 by medical entities in both the US and Europe. It is argued by some that the charter, while not outwardly proclaiming to do so, aims to replace the Hippocratic Oath as a medical guideline for professionalism and patient safety. It is backed by over 100 professional organizations world wide, including the US Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

The survey inquired as to how closely its participants followed the principles set forth in the Charter when it came to conveying information to patients. Authors of the Health Affairs article reported the following:

• The vast majority of doctors believe they should be 100% honest with their patients regarding the pros and cons of certain medical treatments. That same majority also agrees that they should never reveal confidential patient information to unauthorized persons.
• About one third of the doctors surveyed don’t believe it’s necessary to disclose serious medical errors to patients.
• Almost one fifth of the doctors surveyed believe that lying to patients in certain situations is justified.
• Forty percent of surveyed doctors believe it is unnecessary to habitually disclose information about their financial relationships with pharmaceutical or medical device companies.
• About 1 out of every 10 doctors surveyed admitted to lying to at least one patient in the 12 months prior.

The article’s authors suggest that the survey results could mean a large gap between what patients know as true and what actually is. They wrote:

“(our findings raise concerns) about whether patient-centered care is broadly possible without more widespread physician endorsement of the core communication principles of openness and honesty with patients.”

Philadelphia and New Jersey Medical Malpractice Attorneys

Doctors take an oath to always act in the best interest of their patients; it is the most crucial part of their job. If you believe that you’ve been deceived by your physician, or that physician acted negligently in your treatment, contact the Philadelphia and New Jersey medical malpractice attorneys of Messa & Associates, P.C. Our attorneys are experienced and skilled in earning substantial compensation for injuries sustained due to medical errors. Call, toll-free, at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry for a free case evaluation.

If you would like to speak with someone immediately, simply click the link to your right that says “CHAT LIVE!” A representative will be able to help right now.

Nursing Home Abuse Blog References Messa & Mininno

Last week, Jonathon referenced the Messa & Associates Blog in a post about fellow law firms taking into their own hands public education regarding what is and is not considered acceptable treatment in nursing homes and long term care facilities. Blog contributors John Mininno and Joseph Messa have been representing injured nursing home patients for the past 10 years in hopes that their work against nursing homes and negligent caregivers would help the industry raise it’s standards and, in turn, protect our elderly community.

Abuse and negligence in nursing homes can often result in severe physical and emotional injuries and sometimes even death. Bedsores, unexplained bruises, weight loss, depression, and other unexplained symptoms could all be signs of abuse or negligence by the staff at a care facility.

Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is a resident of a nursing home and you suspect that the care they are receiving is negligent and/or abusive, contact the nursing home abuse attorneys from Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call, toll-free, at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.

Let the Philadelphia and New Jersey nursing home abuse attorneys of Messa & Associates earn you and your loved one the compensation you need and deserve.

 
Glorious Hightower
ghightower@messalaw.com
215.568.3500

MESSA & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

Philadelphia Attorney Joseph L. Messa, Jr. Addresses
Orthopaedic Surgeons at their Annual Meeting

PHILADELPHIA (February 10, 2012) – Joseph L. Messa, Jr., founding attorney of Messa & Associates, P.C., presented “Anatomy of a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit” as a guest speaker at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2012 Annual Meeting yesterday in San Francisco. Mr. Messa’s presentation focused on patient safety related lawsuits and the process of handling a medical malpractice case from the beginning phases until its conclusion.

“Medical malpractice is a serious issue that accounts for tens of thousands of deaths in this country each year. Patients suffer devastating, life-altering injuries as a result of preventable medical mistakes every day and the victims of these mistakes deserve to be heard and recover damages for their injuries. It is important that medical professionals and trial attorneys continue to engage in a dialogue about this issue so that we can continue to work to reduce the number of people injured as a result of malpractice.”

Messa & Associates has represented individuals in cases against doctors, hospitals, medical practice groups, and nursing homes. The attorneys litigate medical malpractice cases involving birth-related injuries, delayed and failure to diagnose cancer, spinal cord injuries, hospital-acquired infections, brain injury, stroke, and an array of other cases involving medical errors resulting in injury. The firm has secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases including a $16.5 million jury verdict for failure to investigate a seven-year-old child’s surgically correctable underlying heart condition; $12.1 million jury verdict a spinal fusion case, involving the insertion of metal screws that became infected, causing irreversible damage, into the man’s spine and a $10 million award for a man whose physician performed an unnecessary surgery, implanting an unapproved medical device in his spine.

AAOS provides musculoskeletal education to orthopaedic surgeons and others in the world. The organization offers continuing medical education activities including its Annual Meeting, multiple CME courses and various medical and scientific publications and electronic media materials.

Mr. Messa is a member of the Bars of the Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Court for the District of New Jersey, as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, and the First, Third, and Sixth Circuit Courts of Appeals. He received his juris doctorate, cum laude, from Temple University School of Law in 1988.

In addition, he is an active member of the American Association for Justice; American Bar Association; Pennsylvania Association for Justice; New Jersey Association for Justice, Philadelphia, Camden, Burlington County New Jersey Bar Associations; and the Justinian Society. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association since 2006, and currently holds the leadership position of Assistant Secretary.

Mr. Messa is an AV-rated attorney, listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and was named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers. Mr. Messa is also an advocate of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He has been recognized as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and has successfully litigated multiple serious injury cases to seven- and eight-figure verdicts and settlements, in medical malpractice, products liability, fire and burn injury and construction/work injury matters.

About Messa & Associates, P.C.
Messa & Associates, P.C. represents individuals and their families in complex personal injury matters, including catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, product liability, motor vehicle accidents, fires and explosions. Our attorneys serve Pennsylvania clients throughout the state, including in Philadelphia and other surrounding communities in Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Bucks County. Messa & Associates is also proud to serve clients throughout the state of New Jersey, and also litigate cases nationwide.

For more information, please contact Glorious Hightower at (215) 568-3500 or GHightower@messalaw.com.

 Glorious Hightower
ghightower@messalaw.com
215.568.3500

MESSA & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

Philadelphia Attorney Eric H. Weitz Elected to
Philadelphia Bar Association Board of Governors

PHILADELPHIA (January 26, 2012) – Attorney Eric H. Weitz, of Messa & Associates, P.C. has been elected to the Board of Governors for the Philadelphia Bar Association. Mr. Weitz will serve a three-year term on the Board of Governors, working with the Chancellor and fellow Governors to establish official policy for the Philadelphia Bar Association and provide guidance to the overall legal system. Attorney Weitz is also a board member a number of other organizations including the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association (PTLA) and the Pennsylvania Association for Justice (PAJ).

“This year, a presidential election year, is an especially exciting time to be joining the Board of Governors for the Philadelphia Bar Association,” said Attorney Weitz today. “Our legal system nationally and our court system locally are constant source of debate and discussion in election years, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to formulate ideas and policies that will continue to protect people’s rights, while adapting to a rapidly changing economy and societal needs.”

Mr. Weitz has successfully litigated dozens of personal injury cases for his clients, including a $28.75 million verdict for a foster child that was rendered a paraplegic in a motor vehicle accident and many multi-million dollar resolutions for victims of medical neglect and other unsafe practices.
The Philadelphia Bar Association is the oldest association of lawyers in the United States. It provides guidance and professional support for attorneys, judges and politicians on legal issues. In addition, the organization offers local Philadelphia community members assistance in addressing legal matters.

Attorney Weitz received his juris doctorate, cum laude, from the Villanova University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science, cum laude, in Television, Radio and Film Management. He has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer by Law & Politics magazine and Philadelphia Magazine for five consecutive years, including Top 100 Pennsylvania and Top 100 Philadelphia for 2011. Mr. Weitz is also an active member of the American Trial Lawyers Association in New Jersey.

About Messa & Associates, P.C.
Messa & Associates, P.C. represents individuals and their families in complex personal injury matters, including catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, product liability, motor vehicle accidents, fires and explosions. Our attorneys serve Pennsylvania clients throughout the state, including in Philadelphia and other surrounding communities in Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Bucks County. Messa & Associates is also proud to serve clients throughout the state of New Jersey, and also litigate cases nationwide.

For more information, please contact Glorious Hightower at (215) 568-3500 or GHightower@messalaw.com.

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Medical Malpractice Lawyers Could Recover Millions in Damages for Women As A Result of Unwanted Pregnancies

Experts say wrongful pregnancy cases in the past have been looked at as being similar to medical malpractice cases, such as suing for an unwanted pregnancy after a botched vasectomy. One expert also points out that there has even been a case where a woman successfully sued a pharmacist for medical malpractice when she became pregnant as a result of an error made in filling the woman’s birth control prescriptions.

A class-action lawsuit on behalf of multiple women affected by the recall of the defective Pfizer birth control pills could potentially cost Pfizer millions in court. Thirty-two states recognize Pfizer has said that the defective birth control pills do not pose a health risk to the women that take them, but that they may not prevent pregnancy.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Philadelphia and New Jersey

The Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases resulting from medical and pharmaceutical errors. Our extremely skilled team of medical malpractice lawyers and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you or a loved one have suffered personal injuries as a result of a medical or pharmaceutical error or any other type of negligent care received by a medical provider, contact the medical malpractice lawyers of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.

Medical Journal Calls Medical Providers to Task of Patient Safety

Point-Of-Care: The Journal of Near-Patient Testing & Technology released a special issue last month highlighting the need for increased vigilance to medical errors related to POCT. The issue contains editorials, research studies, and case reports that provide an overview of the policies in place for other medical providers which assist in assuring patient safety.

James H. Nichols, PhD, Professor of pathology at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston and medical director of clinical chemistry for Baystate Health in Springfield, Mass, provided the issues introduction. In it he states:

“While the theme is patient safety, each article is different and the authors were not constrained to one format or question, but free to express their concerns and perceptions around the theme of patient safety and medical errors.”

The issue also features information on some of the most recent technological advances in POCT, including built in quality-controls and security measures which, in themselves, can help prevent errors. Presently, very few formal rules or guidelines exist when it comes to point-of-care-testing, but new standards are continuously being developed and the FDA is in the process of solidifying their own guidelines by performing assessments of POCT devices. Patient safety and identification, operator training, timely results, and system alerts were just a few of the topics mentioned in the journal regarding necessary focuses of error prevention.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Medical errors claim the lives of patients everyday. The medical malpractice attorneys at Messa & Associates are in full supoprt of any steps medical providers take to help prevent those medical errors. If you or a loved one have been injured by any form of medical malpractice or negligence, contact the medical malpractice attorneys of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll-free 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry form.

Let the New Jersey medical malpractice attorneys of Messa & Associates work to earn you the compensation you need and deserve.

Mininno Law Office Merges with Messa & Associates

PHILADELPHIA (January 14, 2012): Center City based law firm Messa & Associates, P.C. has merged with Mininno Law Office effective immediately, the two firms have announced. The firm will continue under the name Messa & Associates, P.C. with John Mininno, Esq. joining as Counsel to the firm.

Joseph L. Messa, Jr., founding partner of Messa & Associates, said: “We are pleased to welcome John and join our resources in order to provide our personal injury clients with an even better experience as they cope with devastating, life-changing injuries and losses. John’s reputation, trial skills and dedication to clients are well known in New Jersey and we look forward to joining with John to serve this community.”

The firm will continue to focus on catastrophic injury cases, including workplace injuries, products liability cases, construction injuries, failure to diagnose matters, birth injuries, brain injuries, and motor vehicle accidents. Mr. Mininno’s Collingswood, N. J. office will remain open to serve clients in the South Jersey area. As a New Jersey Certified Civil Trial attorney, John and the firm will continue to accept referrals of these catastrophic cases from law firms throughout New Jersey who are then permitted to receive a referral fee upon a successful recovery.

In addition to the Collingswood office, Messa & Associates will continue to maintain its other office locations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey in Northwest Philadelphia; Conshohocken, Pa.; Downingtown, Pa.; Cherry Hill, N.J. and Linwood, N.J.

About Messa & Associates, P.C.

Messa & Associates P.C., represents individuals and their families in complex personal injury matters, including catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, products liability, motor vehicle accidents, fires and explosions. Our attorneys serve Pennsylvania clients throughout the state, including in Philadelphia and other surrounding communities in Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Bucks County. Messa & Associates are also proud to serve New Jersey clients throughout that state, and also litigate selected cases throughout the country.

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Ayesha Muhammad, 19, Tyrina Griffin, 21, and Samirah Traynham, 22, were charged with simple assault, false imprisonment, harassment, and conspiracy and found not guilty on all counts by Judge Kevin F. Kelly. The Assistant District Attorney Robert Manzi tried to argue that the three caregivers were taunting, mocking, and physically abusing McCallister while they forced her to stand partially naked inside her room, as seen in the video. However, the defendant’s attorney successfully argued that the footage on the video only showed the three women struggling to get a difficult patient dressed.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident at a nursing home or long term care facility, pay close attention to not only their condition, but also the care they are receiving. Your attentiveness is crucial to your loved one’s continued safety at a nursing home. If you are worried that the care they are receiving is indeed negligent or abusive, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Adult Son Faces Charges For Mother’s Death

James Owens is now facing charges of first-degree involuntary manslaughter for his mother’s death, as well as forgery after attempting to cash her Social Security check two days after her death. The medical examiner’s office reported that the autopsy showed the cause of death to be complications from sepsis due to neglect. Owens is being held on a $100,000, cash-only bond.

Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently under the care of an individual or care facility and you have witnessed them being abused, you have noticed strange bruises, scratches or sores, or you fear that the care they are receiving may be considered negligent or abusive, our professional elder abuse lawyers can address your questions and concerns. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.